Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

What is invasive ductal carcinoma?

The abnormal cancer cells that began forming in the milk ducts have spread beyond the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body. It is also sometimes called infiltrative ductal carcinoma.

IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, making up nearly 70- 80% of all breast cancer diagnoses.

IDC is also the type of breast cancer that can most commonly affects men.

What is the difference between invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)?

DCIS means the cancer is still contained in the milk duct and has not invaded any other area. IDC is cancer that began growing in the duct and is invading the surrounding tissue. Cancer staging done by a physician, along with a physical exam and medical history can help identify the best treatment options.